Leeds man’s global cycle ride for two charities

Mark Lavery

A SCOUT Leader from Rawdon has returned home from an epic 300-day fundraising adventure cycling 13,600 miles around the world.

Reece Gledhill – assistant scout leader with the 16th Airedale Yeadon Methodist group – survived illness, an attempted robbery and being struck by two cars during his journey through 21 countries in three continents.

Mr Gledhill, 24, completed the self-funded ride without support along the way. He relied on the generosity of people he met on route and spent most nights wild camping.

His mammoth efforts have raised around £3,000, which will to be split between UNICEF and the Scout Association.

He started the cycle ride at Yeadon Methodist Church and travelled through France, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia before heading through China.

He cycled through Mongolia and flew from there to Los Angeles in America and rode to New York.

Mr Gledhill was twice hit by cars while cycling through Kyrgyzstan in central Asia and had to fend off muggers in Mongolia.

He said: “Two guys came at me. One of them tried to grab my bike and the other tried to beat my head in with a big wooden pole. I fought them off with a wrench and then did a runner.”

Despite setbacks Mr Gledhill said he enjoyed the experience, adding: “ People are generally good, hospitable people and you should not fear strangers as many people do.”

Mr Gledhill spent nearly two years travelling in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, before he decided to take on his epic challenge. Now he is saving up for his next adventure. He said: “Hopefully within a year I will be doing another one, probably a cycle ride. Siberia looks good.”

Donations can be made aid of UNICEF and the Scout Association at www.virginmoneygiving.com/worldwidecycle